Getting Around

SXSW works with a variety of transportation services to provide a comprehensive selection of transportation options to help you design your commute to SXSW events within your individual budget and needs. Use the guide below to find the services that best work for you.

Photo by Nicole Burton

Getting Around SXSW Events

Getting around Downtown Austin to your next session, meet up, film, or artist showcase is easy. Most venues are walkable and within a few minutes of each other. Austin blocks are just a one minute walk within the downtown area. If you need to give your feet a break, there are many transportation options to choose from.

Austin is a major city so expect delays during rush hour traffic on weekday mornings (7am-9am) and evenings (4:30pm-7pm). Be sure to schedule extra time for transportation when traveling during these hours.

Explore recommended transportation resources and other services below to help you navigate Austin and SXSW events with ease. Bookmark this page prior to your arrival for easy access during SXSW.

Explore Your Transportation Options

SXSW Festival Shuttles

The SXSW Festival Shuttle is our free circulating shuttle that runs between the Austin Convention Center and most SXSW festival venues. Shuttles typically run from 9am-2:30am daily, with peak service hours between 9am-7pm. This one-route system helps get you within walking distance of even the most remote festival venues. Catch the SXSW Festival Shuttle outside the Convention Center on Trinity Street.

ADA accessibility transfers are available between any two established SXSW Festival Shuttle stop locations during operating hours for properly credentialed SXSW attendees. To initiate a transfer, a request can be made of any of the shuttle staff members or by texting the Customer Service Line 512-675-0155. Once the request is received, an accessible vehicle will be dispatched to the location requested. Transfers are only available between established stops.

Austin Capital Metro

Check out Capital Metro service at CapMetro.org/specialevents. MetroRapid and MetroRail take you into the heart of Downtown Austin for SXSW, and High-Frequency & Late-Night service runs throughout Austin, seven days a week. Plan your trip, get real-time departures and buy passes with the CapMetro App.

Airport Transportation

The Austin Airport is minutes from downtown and offers many options to get to and from your Austin Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA).

Getting to and from Downtown Austin

If you’re not staying downtown during SXSW, not to worry. Whether you’re staying at a hotel, short-term rental, or you’re a local living outside the downtown area, there are many options to get you to your downtown SXSW destination.

Late-Night Transportation

SXSW events often go late into the evening. Not to worry, Austin has a vibrant nightlife and transportation services to get you home safely after hours.

Arriving by Car

We highly recommend considering all other options before deciding to drive during SXSW. With many street closures and heightened vehicle and foot traffic, driving can be an expensive and time-consuming endeavor as downtown parking ranges in both price and availability. Parking locations and availability can be found on the City of Austin’s website.

Pickup & Drop Off Locations
If you plan to get dropped off downtown during SXSW, the best and safest pickup and drop off locations are downtown hotel valet spots. Try the Hilton, Fairmont, Courtyard Marriott/Residence Inn, JW Marriott, Weston, or Driskill on 6th street.

City of Austin Street Closures

The City of Austin closes various streets in downtown Austin during the Spring Festival Season, which includes SXSW. To help navigate these closures, check out Austin’s Spring Festival Season street closures map.

For more information regarding the City of Austin’s street closures during SXSW and/or how to obtain City approved Barricade Access Vehicle Passes for commercial deliveries, etc., please contact vehiclepasses@sxsw.com.

Recommended Transportation Resources

Austin Chronicle’s Transportation Guide

The Austin Chronicle’s Transportation Guide is updated regularly with the most up-to-date information about getting around Austin without wheels. Use the Chronicle’s guide to navigate Austin’s Capital Metro bus system, find a rideshare, rent a bike, and more.Learn More »

Enterprise

Book online now or call 1-855-266-9289 and use the code L65SXSW to book over the phone.Book Now »

SuperShuttle

Book online or download the app to receive a 5% discount using the code 6X3EE.Book Now »

International Chauffeur Service

ICS is the perfect solution for transporting your large group.Book Now »

Super Sponsors

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